Visit 4 U.S. Cities Where Game Day Feels Like a Vacation

The sun is shining, the crowd is cheering, and the players are roaring into action. It’s time for another season of exciting summer sports in venues across the United States.

If you’re looking for incredible summer competition, including thrilling soccer and world-class baseball, these four cities have it all. Head to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Orlando, where the sports fun lasts from pregame to overtime.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting these four dynamic sports cities for game days that truly feel like a vacation.*

Los Angeles

Summer 2026, from June 11 to July 19, will bring a truly unparalleled level of excitement with the highly anticipated return of the FIFA World Cup 26^™ to the United States. It’s been several decades since the tournament last played in North America. Back then, team USA was a plucky underdog hoping to shine on the world’s biggest stage. But now the stars and stripes are filled with talent and ready to compete for the ultimate soccer trophy.

The City of Angels is also home to the 2025 World Series champion Dodgers, and it’s safe to say the city is still in the thralls of baseball fever. But Los Angeles is also a soccer-loving metropolis sporting three teams: the Major League Soccer (MLS) LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Angel City FC.

The city’s passionate embrace of soccer will be in full evidence when it hosts two FIFA World Cup matches—the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match as well as a quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium. The open-air stadium, featuring a translucent roof with retractable vents, can fit up to 100, 000 people, so you can expect a rousing party.

While you’re in LA for the tournament, you can also watch beach volleyball and surfing. Both are now Summer Olympic sports that the city will highlight when it hosts the 2028 games.

Where to Stay:

See more of the world with Abound by Marriott Vacations^®. Use Club Points to stay at thousands of distinctive hotels around the globe—all within the Marriott family of brands you know and love. Visit Hotels via Abound on your Owner website to get started.

San Francisco

In Northern California, San Francisco brings cooler temperatures (think sweatshirts and highs in the 70s) to the hot summer sports scene. One highlight is sitting outside to watch a San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park. The views of the bay and the city skyline from the stands are worth a visit alone.

Don’t forget about the fun of Minor League Baseball. The Giants’ minor league team in nearby San Jose at Excite Ballpark is a go-to for an affordable, family-friendly outing with awesome food (don’t sleep on the garlic fries), a playground, and great sight lines.

San Francisco will also provide a major global sports stage this summer when it hosts six matches for the FIFA World Cup. This includes five group fixtures (round robin matches) and one knockout match at Levi’s^® Stadium in nearby Santa Clara. San Fran is also home to the Women’s Premier Soccer League Nighthawks, who play at historic Kezar Stadium.

For a completely different kind of competition, the Pokémon World Championships will be held at the end of August at the Moscone Center and Chase Center. The popular esports event will host competitors from across the globe battling for the world champion title.

Where to Stay:

Stay in the heart of San Francisco at Marriott Vacation Club^®, San Francisco, part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs^® City Collection. Relax in your guestroom or one-bedroom suite, and experience a true San Francisco treasure at nearby Fisherman’s Wharf. Taste delectable chocolate, check out the local shops and eateries, and make the most of the City by the Bay with an unforgettable stay.

 

Miami

Summer sizzles in Miami with a sports scene that can’t be beaten. Think about everything from MLB action of the Miami Marlins who play under the retractable roof at loanDepot park to a long list of high-end golf courses and thrilling tournaments, water sports, and even tennis.

But most exciting of all for this South Florida hotspot, the FIFA World Cup will host seven matches, including a quarterfinal and the bronze final. Matches will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which will be temporarily renamed Miami Stadium for the tournament. This massive complex is a hub for high-octane sports and entertainment, including the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the University of Miami Hurricanes football team, and the high-speed thrills of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Miami also has a robust professional soccer scene, highlighted by international superstar Lionel Messi playing for the 2025 MLS Champions Inter Miami CF. (Messi recently extended his contract through 2028, too).

Where to Stay:

Stay in the heart of Miami at Marriott Vacation Club^®, South Beach, part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs^® City Collection. Cool off in your guestroom or two-bedroom suite, soak up the Florida sun at the beach across the street, or explore the vibrant shopping and dining options on nearby Lincoln Road. When hunger strikes, head back to your city property on Ocean Drive to Havana 1957 for family-friendly Cuban cuisine and traditional mojitos in an exciting casual atmosphere. Make the most of South Beach with an unforgettable Miami stay.

 

Orlando

You can turn one fan trip to the Sunshine State into a multicity adventure by visiting Orlando. Known for hosting major national and international sport events, Orlando attracts professional athletes from around the world with state-of-the-art training facilities and myriad ways to experience game day.

Plus, you can easily travel between Miami and Orlando via the modern Brightline train, making it easy to combine the two for summer sports fun.

Once you arrive in Orlando, there are two local pro soccer teams, the MLS’s Orlando City SC and the NWSL’s Pride, both of which have loyal local followings. Orlando’s family-friendly, immersive entertainment scene extends to sports lovers who can join the fun at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

Centrally located Orlando is also just over 100 miles from St. Petersburg, where baseball fans can catch the Tampa Bay Rays. If you visit in late summer, head about 50 miles north to the Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, held August 28–29, and spotlighting drivers aiming to qualify for the NASCAR playoffs.

Where to Stay:

When it comes to Orlando, Florida, there’s fun around every corner. And with so many options for places to stay, you’ll always be close to the adventure. Add a little magic to your vacation when you stay at Marriott’s Cypress Harbour, Marriott’s Grande Vista, Marriott’s Imperial Palms, Marriott’s Royal Palms, and Marriott’s Sabal Palms, just a short drive from the gates of the Walt Disney World^® Resort. If you’re looking for a bit more thrill to your trip, you can stay at Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve, or Marriott’s Harbour Lake, and visit the colossal coasters of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. There’s more to Orlando than just theme parks. Vistana Signature Network^® members with StarOptions^® and Marriott Vacation Club^® Owners with Club Points can visit the city’s championship golf courses, museums, and natural waterways with a stay at Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villages.

 

Award-winning travel journalist Melissa Klurman covers topics ranging from theme park vacations to African adventure travel. She prides herself on uncovering the best summer vacation spots around the country.